I only talked to Tate DeCaro for a an hour or so in a coffeeshop in the East Avenue/Winton Road area a couple weeks ago, but it seemed that if there was ever a cheerleader for Rochester, she would be it.

Tate DeCaro

The 31-year-old recently finished her graduate work at the Rochester Institute of Technology, and it was that work that got me interested in focusing my Sunday column Starting Out on her.

She surveyed 100 RIT students about what’ll force them to move out of Rochester after graduation. A majority didn’t cite the snow, cold weather or a city landscape that is in transition.

Rather, they said if they can’t find a job in Rochester they won’t stay.

And consider DeCaro, a Pittsford resident who went to Wilson high in the city, among that group too. Unfortunately, she’s currently unemployed, but her heart is clearly in Rochester.

“I’m just really passionate about Rochester,” she said. “I think it is a wonderful place and I get frustrated when other people don’t see that.”

Perhaps that’s why her career focus is on community development. Something like fundraising, event planning or other way to either promote or better the area, she described.

But if she can’t find a job, she just might be another highly educated young professional who leaves the area.

“Nobody has offered me a job,” she said. “Look at me, I’m excited about Rochester. You want me here.”

For more on my Starting Out column, check out page 3E of Sunday’s Democrat and Chronicle or view our Young Professionals’ site on Sunday.

Upcoming events:
If you’re looking to get out and meet some other like-minded young professionals, check out one of the following events.

YP4NP Winter Fiesta: Several nonprofits are coming together for the young professionals for nonprofits social, which begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, at Salena’s Mexican Restaurant, 302 N. Goodman St.

There will be door prizes, a scavenger hunt and an opportunity to learn more about the following groups: Bivona Young Professionals, Catholic Family Center’s Rising Leaders, Eastman Young Professionals, the associate board of the Gilda’s Club, The Good Pointe Society of the Rochester City Ballet, Habitat Young Professionals, Memorial Art Gallery Young Professionals, NextGen Rochester, Junior Achievement Young Professionals, RPO Rocs and the Rising Educators, Advocates and Leaders at Planned Parenthood.

Cervezas & Margaritas: The Rochester Young Professionals hosts another one of its social networking events, from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 23, at Mex Restaurant, 295 Alexander St. Admission is free.

Snow Ball/Snow Much Fun Softball Tournament: Usually it’s too cold or snowy outside to consider playing softball, but that doesn’t matter to the organizers of this 16-team, single-elimination softball tournament scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive.

I’m told if the ball gets lost in the snow, the hitter should just keep running.

“We are hoping to get a turnout and have a good time,” said Derek Meixell, 30, who is chairing the event and is past president of the Pen-Web Rotary.”

The cost is $20 per player and includes and a barbecue lunch. For more, contact Meixell at derek@meixell.com. Proceeds will benefit the Pen-Web Rotary and Rochester Mentors.

Check out promo video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbmC__gHtKo.
Academy Awards Party: The Eastman Young Professionals will help kick off Rochester’s best Oscars viewing party on the big screen at the Dryden Theatre, starting at 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, at the George Eastman House, 900 East. Ave.

There will be live music, dancing, food, drinks and a silent auction. You might even get your photo snapped by the paparazzi. You might even see our young professionals’ reporter Driadonna Roland hanging out with the paparazzi.